Toronto Preacher Released on Bail After Disturbance in Church-Wellesley Village

A Toronto preacher, David Lynn, was released on bail after being charged with disturbing the peace in the Church-Wellesley Village on Tuesday. Police were called to the area around 5:50 p.m. following reports of a demonstration. According to a police news release, a man was using a megaphone to deliver messages that caused alarm in the community, leading to a large hostile crowd.

The incident appears to have been livestreamed on YouTube by supporters of Lynn, who is known for his street preaching. In the nearly two-hour video, Lynn spoke about Christianity and made comments such as “dispel and remove the kingdom of darkness from this area,” while announcing that he is “coming out as a Christian.” A large crowd could be seen gathering and yelling at him.

The scene became heated when Lynn claimed he was being targeted because he is Christian, stating, “This area is full of bigots.” A police officer approached him, asking him to stop using his microphone and leave the area. Although Lynn stopped using the microphone, he continued to speak, prompting police to move in and arrest him.

The incident occurred just hours after Toronto Mayor John Tory and city councillors raised the Pride flag at city hall to kick off Pride month. Lynn, 39, was charged with causing a disturbance and was released on bail following an appearance at the College Park courthouse. As part of his bail conditions, he is prohibited from attending Pride events in the city.

Lynn told reporters after his release that he did not intend to provoke anyone and stated he was part of a Toronto tour. He expressed surprise that the event coincided with the first day of Pride month. He also mentioned that he had spoken at Kensington Market shortly before the incident.

The situation highlights the tension between free speech and community safety, raising questions about the balance between individual expression and public order. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, while Ephesians 5:11 calls for discernment in how we live and act.

Source: Read the original report